Perth, Australia: The Asia-Pacific golf industry has lost one of its most colourful characters with the passing of John Pryor.
Pryor passed away peacefully at his home in Western Australia last week. He was aged 67.
Pryor was Managing Director of Hydrogold and Hydroscapes, a respected international water management consultancy.
Experienced in all aspects of water management, including water planning, irrigation and drainage, Pryor was particularly passionate about education.
To that end, he wrote many published articles on irrigation and water management and was a speaker and presenter at various seminars, trade shows and exhibitions across the region.
From 2015 to 2017, Pryor was a presenter at numerous Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) educational events.
At the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Malaysia and AGIF Turfgrass Management Seminar, Pryor tackled the topic of Irrigation Auditing.
He also presented at AGIF-organised events in Chinese Taipei, Indonesia and Vietnam, talking about New Irrigation Technologies to Improve Performance and Reduce Costs; Efficient Irrigation Management and Irrigation Management in Low Light.
Chris Gray, President of the AGIF, said: “Our condolences go to John’s family. During a career that spanned more than three decades and covered all facets of water management, irrigation, drainage, management and construction, John made a valuable contribution to the golf industry.
“I had the pleasure of working with John on several projects over the years and he was meticulous in his attention to detail. I vividly recall the great presentations John gave at quite a number of AGIF events, which were very well received. John will certainly be missed by his golf industry colleagues.”
In a posting on the Hydrogold website, Pryor said: “I am at the stage in my career where I need to slow down, but want to remain involved. I have greatly enjoyed the past 30-plus years working on 300-plus golf courses in 30-plus countries with 30-plus golf course architects.
“I thank you all for those opportunities. To have worked on so many fantastic projects with good people from many different countries and cultures has been a privilege.”
Pryor is survived by his wife, Erida, and four children.
His son, Michael, said the funeral will be held on September 23 at North Beach SDA Church (1 Wendling Road, North Beach, Western Australia). Viewing is at 11 am with the service commencing at 11:30 am, followed by refreshments.
“If you are in Perth, you are welcome to attend the funeral and farewell. In celebration, please wear or add something with yellow and bring your fondest memories of John to share with family and friends,” said Michael.
Those unable to attend the funeral in person can follow the service via Zoom. For details of the Zoom link, please email john@pryor.net.au